On June 23 and 24, 2026, the Sant Joan Festivities in Ciutadella de Menorca will be celebrated, one of the oldest, most spectacular and moving celebrations in all the Balearic Islands. If you’re thinking of experiencing this unique event, here’s everything you need to know: its history, the complete program of events and some practical tips.
A bit of history: over 700 years of tradition
The origins of the Sant Joan festivities date back to the early 14th century. It all began with a religious brotherhood that organized an annual pilgrimage on horseback to the small rural hermitage of Sant Joan de Missa, located about 3 kilometers from Ciutadella, to honor their patron Saint John the Baptist.
That brotherhood represented the four estates of traditional Menorcan society: the nobility, the church, the artisans and the payeses (farmers). This structure remains alive today through the Junta de Caixers, the horsemen who preside over and organize the festivities.
The Junta is made up of the Caixer Senyor (nobleman, who presides over the festivities), the Caixer Capellà (representative of the church), the Caixer Casat (married man), the Caixer Fadrí (single man, flag bearer) and the Caixers Pagesos (farmers from the north and south of the municipality). Their mission is to ensure that protocols are followed and that all events are celebrated according to tradition.
The Menorcan horse: absolute protagonist
You can’t talk about Sant Joan without talking about the Menorcan breed horse, declared an official breed in 1988. This noble black-coated animal, related to the Mallorcan horse, is the true star of the festivities. Today it is bred almost exclusively for the island’s patron saint celebrations, and watching it jump and dance to the rhythm of the jaleo (the traditional music of the festivities) is an unforgettable experience.
Sant Joan 2026 Festivities Program
June 21 — The atmosphere begins
Although the festivities don’t officially start until the following day, the night of the 21st already has a festive atmosphere. This is when the lamb is displayed (es be) at the home of the Caixer Pagès. The garage remains open almost all night and the people of Ciutadella come to visit it, especially the little ones.
June 22 — Diumenge des Be (Lamb Sunday)
The festivities officially begin on this day:
- Before 8:00 AM — The Home des Be sets out, a farmer dressed in a cloak of lambskins (evoking John the Baptist) who carries the lamb on his shoulders. He leaves the house of the Caixer Pagès accompanied by the caixers’ procession.
- 9:00 AM — First Toc de Fabiol — The most moving moment: the fabiol (wooden flute and drum) sounds for the first time at the palace of the Caixer Senyor, marking the official start of the festivities.
- Throughout the day, the procession tours the old town visiting the Town Hall, the Episcopal Palace, the Teatro des Born (where the zarzuela “Foc i Fum” is performed), the geriatric hospital and the houses of the knights, inviting them to participate in the festivities.
- 8:00 PM — Tirar avellanes — On Avenida de la Constitución (Sa Contramurada) the popular tradition of throwing hazelnuts takes place while the band plays. A very special moment for children.
June 23 — Dissabte de Sant Joan (Eve)
The big day of the eve, with the most crowded events:
- 2:00 PM — First Toc — The fabioler asks permission at the palace of the Caixer Senyor to begin. The fabiol sounds and the Replec begins: the procession goes around collecting all the horsemen who will form the qualcada (cavalcade). The Sant Joan flag is handed over to the Caixer Fadrí.
- 6:00 PM — Caragol des Born — The most iconic event. More than a hundred horsemen, mounted on their adorned Menorcan horses, jump and dance in the Plaza des Born to the rhythm of the jaleo. A spectacle of indescribable beauty.
- 7:30 PM — Mass at the hermitage of Sant Joan de Missa — The qualcada heads in pilgrimage to the original hermitage, 3 km from Ciutadella. Meanwhile, the hazelnut battle returns to Sa Contramurada.
- 9:00 PM — Caragol de Ses Voltes — The cavalcade winds through the narrow medieval streets of the center.
- 10:00 PM — Ses Corregudes — Horse races in the Cathedral Square.
- 11:00 PM — Caragol de Santa Clara — Arrival at the convent. Afterwards, farewell to the Caixer Capellà and the Caixer Senyor, and the festivities continue until dawn.
June 24 — Dia de Sant Joan
The patron saint’s day, with the spectacular medieval games:
- 8:00 AM — First Toc — The day begins.
- Morning — Corregudes in the Plaça and Caragol de Santa Clara.
- 2:30 PM — Missa de Caixers — Solemn mass at the Cathedral of Menorca.
- 5:00 PM — Replec — The cavalcade forms again.
- 7:00 PM — Jocs des Pla (Medieval tournaments) — The most spectacular event of the festivities. On the esplanade of the port of Ciutadella, the games of medieval origin are held:
Romper ses Carotes: Two horsemen gallop facing each other; one carries a wooden shield painted with a caricature (carota) and the other must break it with a clay pitcher. The young people rush to collect the pieces as trophies.
Córrer s’Ensortilla: The horsemen gallop with a lance trying to thread a small hanging ring. If they succeed, the band plays and everyone dances.
Córrer abraçats: Two related horsemen (father and son, brothers, cousins) gallop together and try to embrace and kiss each other on the cheek. A very moving moment.
- 11:00 PM — Corregudes a la Plaça
- 12:00 AM — Caragol de Ses Voltes
- 12:30 AM — Caragol de Santa Clara
- 5:00 AM — Darrer Toc de Fabiol — The last sound of flute and drum at the parish of Sant Antoni Maria Claret. The phrase that closes the festivities is heard: “Fins l’any vinent si Déu vol!” (Until next year, God willing!).
June 25 — End of festivities
- 11:30 PM — Fireworks — A spectacular fireworks display launched from the Plaza des Born, visible from all over the city, brings the festivities to a close. This year there will also be a free concert with Cris Juanico.
Practical tips for experiencing Sant Joan
- Arrive early: Ciutadella fills up completely. If you’re coming from outside, book accommodation well in advance.
- Dress in black and white: It’s the traditional attire during the festivities, although it’s not mandatory.
- Be careful during the corregudes: The horse races are exciting but you must maintain a safe distance.
- Stay hydrated: The June heat in Menorca is intense and the days are very long.
- Park outside the center: The old town is closed to traffic. Use the parking areas set up on the outskirts.
- Enjoy the gastronomy: Don’t miss the pomada (gin with lemonade), the official drink of the festivities.
The Sant Joan festivities are much more than a celebration: they are the essence of Ciutadella, a legacy of more than seven centuries that is experienced with an intensity and emotion difficult to find anywhere else. If you have the opportunity to experience them, don’t hesitate.
Fins l’any vinent si Déu vol!
